"They are three feet and a half wide, two feet and a half deep, and the pier between them is, counting in the carved case, ten feet and six inches; and there is from the angle of the room at each side, that next the window and that opposite, to the angle of the same recesses, counting in, in like manner, the carved case, two feet and six inches exactly. Here Monsieur has the threads of measurement," added Jacques, with a charming bow, handing a little paper, containing certain pieces of tape cut at proper lengths and noted in pen and ink, to his master. "Were you in the room yourself since?" "This afternoon I am promised to be again introduced." "Try both--particularly that to your right as you stand near the door--and rap them with your knuckles, and search as narrowly as you can." Monsieur Jacques bowed low and smiled. "And now about the other room," said Monsieur Varbarriere; "have you had an opportunity?" "I have enjoyed the permission of visiting it, by the kindness of Sir Jekyl's man." "He does not suppose any object?" inquired Monsieur Varbarriere. "None in the world--nothing--merely the curiosity of seeing everything which is common in persons of my rank." Monsieur Varbarriere smiled dimly. "Well, there is a room opening at the back of Sir Jekyl's room--what is it?" "His study." Varbarriere nodded--"Go on." "A room about the same size, surrounded on all sides except the window with books packed on shelves." "Where is the door?" "There is no door, visible at least, except that by which one enters from Sir Jekyl Marlowe's room," answered Monsieur Jacques. "Any sign of a door?" Monsieur Jacques smiled a little mysteriously. "When my friend, Monsieur Tomlinson, Sir Jekyl's gentleman, had left me alone for a few minutes, to look at some old books of travels with engravings, for which I had always a liking, I did use my eyes a little, Monsieur, upon other objects, but could see nothing. Then, with the head of my stick I took the liberty to knock a little upon the shelves, and one place I did find where the books are not real, but made of wood." "Made of wood?" repeated Monsieur Varbarriere. "Yes--bound over to imitate the tomes; and all as old and dingy as the books themselves." "You knew by the sound?" "Yes, Monsieur, by the sound. I removed, moreover, a real book at the side, and I saw there wood." "Whereabout is that in the wall?" "Next to the corner, Monsieur, which is formed by the wall in which the windows are set--it is a dark corner, nearly opposite the door by which you enter." "That's a door," said Monsieur Varbarriere, rising deliberately as if he were about to walk through it. "I think Monsieur conjectures sagely." "What more did you see, Jacques?" demanded Monsieur Varbarriere, resuming his seat quietly. "Nothing, Monsieur; for my good friend returned just then, and occupied my attention otherwise." "You did not give him a hint of your discovery?" "Not a word, sir."